'Lost Control of the Situation' – Ex-England captain criticizes umpires for allowing Shubman Gill on-field treatment during ENG vs IND 3rd Test 2025

Former England captain Michael Atherton has come down hard on the on-field umpires during the ongoing third Test between England and India at Lord’s. Atherton questioned the officials for permitting Indian skipper Shubman Gill to receive treatment on the field, which resulted in unnecessary delays during England’s innings. The incident occurred during the 110th over when Gill lay down for back treatment, causing a halt in play.

“At one stage, towards the end of England’s innings, Gill lay down for treatment on his back, and the umpires condoned a lengthy stoppage instead of instructing him to leave the field to allow play to resume. From stoppages for minor injuries to delays for attempted ball changes to fussiness over the state of the popping crease—once the ground staff were called on to flatten where the batsmen were standing, the umpires had lost control of this issue,” Atherton wrote in The Times (via The Indian Express).

Gill made news as well after he officially asked for many ball changes on Day 3 and was spotted having animated exchanges with the umpires, which added to the chaos. India went to stumps on Day 3 at 145/3, replying to England's 387, and the delays became a talking point in the day's play.

Shubman Gill Falls Short at Lord’s

Despite being one of India’s most consistent performers this series, Shubman Gill couldn’t replicate his earlier success at Lord’s. Heading into the match with 585 runs in four innings—including three centuries and a double ton—Gill managed only 16 off 44 balls in the first innings. Attempting to push forward on a delivery outside off, he nicked it to the keeper and was dismissed early.

See Also: 'Everyone Has a Blind Spot' – Ravichandran Ashwin reacts to team India batter's dismissal on Day 2 of ENG vs IND 3rd Test 2025

With India trailing by 242 runs, Gill will be eager to make amends if given another opportunity in the second innings. A strong performance at the iconic venue would help India aim for a 2-1 lead and carry forward their momentum from the previous win.